The Get It Done Guide to Live Streaming: Part 1 – What You Need to Start, Now

So you’re ready to start live streaming.

Yay! I’m so proud of you. Let me do a happy dance real quick.

via GIPHY

Okay, maybe you’ve already been live streaming, and you want to take it up a notch. I’m celebrating you, too. Baby steps my friends.

Pep Talk & Disclaimer

I am by no means a live stream expert, but I’m putting a lot of content out there, and it always seems to be working for me. I like to believe it’s good, quality stuff. I have a lot to share and I know you do, too.

Most of what I know, I learned from the greats including, Stephanie Liu, Pat Flynn, and Sean Cannell.

Listen, I want you to get your message out there, add value to your community and grow your business. Above everything I share here, the number one thing you need is confidence to put yourself out there. Even if you have all the equipment here and more, if you don’t execute, test and just do it, you won’t get anywhere. Feel the fear, and do it anyway is one of my favorite quotes.

You can do this! I believe in you, so borrow some of that confidence if you need it.

Whether you’re starting a live stream show, teaching in your group, or just testing the waters, know that whatever you decide to do will it’s one step towards your next level. There will always be fear, there will always be obstacles, and there will be people who will and won’t support you. When things get hard remember this, “Forget about the haters, focus on your crusaders!”

Acting in service will put you back into alignment with why you decided to live stream in the first place.

Now that you’re ready, let’s do this.

I get a lot of questions about how I do my live streams, specifically, what equipment I use so I’m going to share it with all of you today.

I’ll show you what I’m currently using as well as a couple of recommendations from Amazon. What I own will have an asterisks* next to it.

Finally, there are affiliate links in the post so if you decide to buy anything from here, I’ll get a small cut for referring you at now cost to you. Now, let’s check all this stuff out already.

What You Need to Get the Job Done

Assuming you already have access to a computer, the internet and a social media platform like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube…all the items listed below will “get the job done” to start live streaming successfully. They’re not sexy by any means, and they’re affordable, they’re easy to use and come highly recommended, not just by me (most are Amazon picks) all great benefits for those who are just starting. Here we go!

Be seen. First, you want to make sure people have a clear visual of you and what you’re sharing. It’s easier for people to connect with you when they can see your face clearly.

The camera on your laptop or computer usually is not the best for streaming. I have better results live streaming from my iPhone than I do from the camera on my laptop. I’ve been using the webcam below and have been really happy with it. Simply plug it into you USB port and it’s ready to go.

Logitec C615 HD Webcam*

Be Illuminated. Having a good camera is half the battle. Adding light is going to level up your live streaming game. That’s real talk. If you don’t have a budget for this yet, then find a space that has a lot of natural light, for example, sit near a window. Be sure the the window is not behind you, rather in front of you or beside you.

If you’re ready to invest in a ring light I recommend the Neewer Ring Light Kit that comes complete with an adjustable stand, white and orange filters, a bag for safe keeping/traveling, a phone/camera clamp, and as a little bonus a camera remote.

Neewer Ring Light Kit*

Now if you want something just for your phone that you can easily travel with for smaller shoots check out this selfie ring light that attaches to your phone. I don’t personally have this one, but I do have something similar from my friend, Angela Chee. She’s a media strategist, and on-camera coach if you’re looking for one. This light is rechargeable with multiple  light settings. Perfect for impromptu videos while you’re out and about.

Selfie Ring Light for Your Phone

Be Heard. Okay, if else else fails, sound should not. You must be heard. Make sure your you have a reliable microphone that makes people hang on to your every word. I like the lapel aka lavalier microphones because you can just clip it and forget it. Once it’s on make sure it’s working, test it out, and put it on a spot that won’t get easily covered up. People want to hear your voice and know what it is you have to say. A good mic is also important if you want to use the record for repurposing later.

PoP Voice Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone*

I like the lapel mic above because the cord is long and I can move around with it freely when I need to. If you plan to go live on your iPhone, please know you’ll need the Lightening adapter. I have the one that came with my phone so that’s the one I use. Here’s one in case you need it.

Lightening Adapter for iPhone

Take a Stand. If you plan going live from your phone a lot or want to stabilize your camera for photos and videos invest less than $13 in one of these babies. The Arkon tripod is super easy to use. I like the octopus legs because they wrap around my steering wheel. As a mom on the go, sometimes I cut my losses, and push the damn button in my car. Not while I’m driving, please don’t report. me.

Arkon iPhone Tripod Mount*

Tips and Ideas for Your Space & Backdrop

Now that you’ve got all the tech set, let’s talk about aesthetics. Here are some quick ways you can easily spruce up your live video.

Keep it simple. Keep it light. You don’t have to go crazy and rearrange your office space, unless you want to. Find a corner in your personal space where you can bring in as much natural light as possible. The ring light will help add depth, but natural light is always best. Remember to keep your space organized and clear from distractions. Have everything you need in front of you, i.e. coffee, outline, notes, all of the above, etc.

Make it pretty and stay on brand. The thing I love about having your own live show or just going live is that it’s your own. When I was a kid I told my parents I wanted to be a news anchor, mainly because I love to talk and talk to people. What I also loved was how cozy the sets could be. They looked so inviting. What can you do to draw your audience in and give them a taste of what life looks like for you personally and behind the scenes of your business?

Being on brand can be using your colors, strategically placing items behind you that represent what you do and who you are. It could be the type of background you decide to use which we’re talking about next!

Use a Virtual Background or Green Screen. I don’t have a huge space so I don’t own a green screen, however I have a couple ideas for those of you who want to look like you’re streaming from the Bahamas!

If you’re using Zoom to run your live stream (more on this later) there’s a Virtual Background feature, and you can learn all about that here. Zoom makes it easy to change your background with the touch of a button. You’ll just need the most updated version of Zoom and your computer/mobile device must meet some minimum requirements.

If you must use a green screen, as an alternative, you can opt to use a piece of green fabric. Just make sure you keep all the wrinkles out. With a quick Amazon search I discovered the Webaround Portable Webcam Background. It’s a green scree that attaches to the back of your desk chair. It rolls up just like a sun visor for your car windshield, which I also do not own. If you decide to order this product let me know how it works for you.

Peel and Stick Wallpaper. I get a lot of compliments on my wallpaper. In case you’re wondering, it’s called Celestial in Navy/Gold* and I bought it from Target. They have a few selections in store, and a whole lot more online. All you need is the wallpaper, a little patience and a squeegee to put up.

Make sure you have enough to cover your wall, at least the section that you’ll be using for your videos. Funny story, my kids helped me put this up late at night.  I miscalculated the amount I needed or a horizontal view so when I do most of my live videos I need to set the camera so I have even white space on both sides of the wallpaper. It’s works like a charm for vertical videos on IG stories and TikTok!

Nature Calls. Ya’ll, I’ve gone live in nature, to stream, not that stream, okurr. Seriously though, nothing is more beautiful than your natural surroundings. If you can manage the sound and go live in nature, and it feels right, do it. In this video I’m using my lavalier mic, Arkon stand to hold my iPhone, and a picnic table.

Your Turn

There you have it friends, this is really all you technically need to go live and create some awesome videos. You can do it. Start small and then grow. If you buy one piece at a time you’ll eventually have everything you need.

Just like anything you start, remember to have a goal, a plan and know what your ideal outcomes will be. There’s a lot that goes into the planning of a live show and repurposing your content. The key is to create a process that works for you. I’ll save content planning and marketing for another post.

For now, grab your gear and start creating. Go live, and tell me how it went in the comments below.

If you want to connect more be sure to join our private Facebook group, Event Planning for Entrepreneurs. See you there.